Monday, March 26, 2012

Come, have Chai For I have News to share

For the longest time I have wanted to sit cozy and gossip over a cup of chai. Legs drawn together, feet tucked under, sitting close, a cup of warmth in my hand, speaking in hushed tones.javascript:void(0) About what ? I have no clue. I have friends with whom I talk mostly over the phone. We discuss everything from Romney to the Jupiter and Venus in the night sky. The sad part is none of them have the time or inclination to spend time over hot cups of tea. Now if we are talking dinner that is another story.

So my wish remains unfulfilled. Largely. Except for a couple of folks. But even with them it never happens like it did for my Mother. Every afternoon Ma would change into a crisp cotton saree for summer or a rustling silk for the winters.She would dab some of the Mysore sandal talc on her nose, tie up her long black hair in a plait and then put a kettle of water to boil. Some days a neighborhood aunt would drop by. On others Ma would go over. They would share stories over those cups of hot chai which I was not privy to. "Ja porashuno korte bos (go, get along with your studies)" was what they said if I lingered longer.

Naturally I nurtured a secret hope of such evenings, maybe even grander ones, once I was in charge.It is yet to happen. So when this thing--- that I have been desperate to tell you all along--- happened I wanted to sit right besides you, feet tucked under my pajamas,a cup of tea in hand.

And no it is not what you are thinking. No. Not at all. Okay, what are you thinking anyway ?

But I am eternally grateful to you for what happened. For your kind words, for your belief in me, for reading me, for telling me that you liked what I wrote. This wouldn't have been possible without you.

For like you, a very nice editor from Harper Collins (India) read my blog. And last year around summer she sent me a polite mail asking if I would be interested in writing a book. First I gulped and then decided it was one of those spams like the Nigerian government promising to transfer billions to my account. Turned out it wasn't. This was really, truly, a real life editor from Harper. She wanted me to write a book based on my blog, a food narrative along with my recipes. I was so struck by the wondrous nature of the whole thing that I of course said "Yes". Only a month later I realized what I had done but by then the contract was signed. The deal was sealed. And I was going to write a book. THE BOOK. The Bong Mom's Cookbook.

So I have been writing a book. It has been nine months. Given that number I now treat it like a third child in my womb. I have been putting my everything into it. My love, my emotions, my thoughts, my life. In fact I am so attached to it that I am having separation anxiety and am yet to hand over the manuscript. Every day when my girls are finally in bed, the dishwasher is humming a Dadra, the crickets outside have given up chirping, I sit on the black poang, open up MS Word and pour my heart into it. I am also dead scared (very unlike a third time new Mother is wont to be) and that is the reason I had kept it in my heart though my mind itched to share it with you long back.

But now I need your support, your trust in me, your wishes and your blessings. Send me all your good vibes so that I can do my best. Please, pretty please.Else my toes are going to curl up cold and the gestation stage might get longer than that of an elephant.

The Book: The Bong Mom's CookbookThe Publisher: Harper Collins IndiaWhat is it about : More of a Food narrative than a cookbook per se. In short mine, yours and everyone else's life in food with recipes thrown in. More details as I write the book.When: Will let you know as the thing happens

Now that you guys are in the loop trust me you are going to hear of my third baby as much as you do about Big Sis and Li'l Sis. And then don't come back and tell me that irritates the heck out of you.

There's an whole army of talented bloggers whom I owe big time for this whole blog thing. Almost all of them are on my reader you see on the left.

Thanks Miri, Mandira, Manisha, Indo of Daily Musings, Sra, Vani, Nupur of One Hot Stove, Mallika, Happy Cook, Cham, Sig, Sailu, Anita, Linda, Jaya of DesiSoccerMom, Supriya, Jaya of Spice and Curry, Soma, Pree, Sharmila, Eve's Lungs and Kalyan for being there and sharing your food. And Cynthia I owe you big time for helping me through the jargon of the contract language.Then there are those who do not blog anymore but had set up the path like Indira of Mahanadi, Inji, Asha, Mallu Girl, Sunita and Vee. I think half of my book is going to be just Acknowledgments.

Long time reader, delurking to tell you I love your blog. I am Tamil but a closet Bong when it comes to food. I have come to your blog so many times over the past 3-4 years - you have a way with words (the food is brilliant, but that you probably already know)!Congratulations on the book deal - I am going to be looking out for it to hit the stands soon.

Congratulations Sandeepa! I have throughly enjoyed your take on life & cooking for quite a while & have been a silent reader . But this is great news!! Wishing you all the best& hope to buy your book soon .

Wahaoo! How truly awesome is that! I am regular reader of your blo even though I don't comment too often. You have always been one of my most favourite bloggers and I am genuinely truly so happy for you. Really looking forward to the book. Break a leg!

Congrats! You laid a wonderful foundation for your cookbook in your blog. Your honesty and sincerity shine through. I'm humbled that you think I deserve a mention. I'm proud of you! And I can't wait to pre-order and then start cooking from your book. I hope it will be available in the US. So excited for you, and for all of us! Yay!

Sandeepa,You all deserve this and may be even more in life..may be it's just the beginning..Your blog and your writing has always fascinated me, you can weave beautiful stories with even boring words and I feel so elated when you mentioned me right up there..Congratulations!..sending you loads of warm hugs and smiles

Just read in the fb and I am so happy for you, i have no idea why i am so happy , it is your book but i feel like it is happening to me (well ppl will think that if they see my happy smile all over my face which is there right now)I am for sure going to preorder when they announce it :-)Good luck and we won't mind reading if you talk about your thirrd child lile you talk about lil and big sis .

And u forgot to mention how many cups of chaa & jhalmuri I have had with u, even if it was not ur dudh chaa!OK one day, I will have ur dudh chaa. promise :)Don't forget to prepare some snacks to gulp the tea!!

I am so, so proud of you and of course VERY happy for you! And choked up for being included in your list. That is so sweet, San. All the best and looking forward to updates about your third baby and the release of your book. It is going to be a delightful read, I'm sure!

sandeepa, how did i come in so late into this milestone of a cha session! CONGRATULATIONS! i'm so happy for you. reading your blog always makes me smile, and now the book will too. i'll be sure to read my copy with a cup of cha :)

So happy for you, Sandeepa. My eyes just got a little misty too on this great feat. I cant wait to read your book and probably buy copies of it for my family too. Thank you for being an inspiration, BongMommy.

Such wonderful news Sandeepa and I am very touched by your acknowledgement. You know we have a publicher in coomon and HC India organised my book launch there? Here's to a wonderful and successful writing career xx

oooops... luks lyk i'm late wid my wishes!!! but i was soooo happy to read ur news, that i came bak here after commenting on facebook :-Dfirst of all, many congrats sandeepa!!m sure ur new book will fill us all wid the same warmth dat ur blog does!! many many many positive vibes from me :-)... looking forward to d release of the book.

Yes, finally I see it too...but so proud of you Sandeepa and can't think of a better person they could've chosen...I am really looking forward to your book...so waiting for the 'good news'...the launch

This is so cool! so many times I read your blog and kept thinking, this girl should write a book! and see hard work on blogging is paying back!I will love to have your blog in a hard bound memoir format having anecdotes of a working bong mom of today! keep going girlie! We all are with you!

Orey I love your cooking - for the fact that you cook like my long lost mother - you bring me that much closer to her with your familiar touches to your food and for the fact that you are one of the most loveable , warmest persons I know . Wishing you loads of success with this venture :)

This is awesome news! I look forward to the book and will enjoy sitting with a mug of Adrak-Elaichi chai. :)Your writing is one of its kind and I have learnt about Bong cuisine from your blog than from any other Bong I know.

Good luck and here's wishing you great success with your third baby! Enjoy these moments...

Congratulations! I have been a silent reader of your blog. Every time I see something posted on this blog I know I am in for a great read. And I am really not making this up but while reading through your blog, the thought that you could really write a book has come to my mind several times! So happy to know it is happening! :)

Wow!My first comment on your page and that too a congratulatory one! This couldn't have been better. i have been a silent reader of tour blog since 2006 and literally learnt cooking following your blog. All I can say is Congrats! and good luck and hope your book is as successful (and more) as your blog is! Consider 2 copies of your book already sold! And I also have a infant food blog going on. Just started a month ago. If you have time, I'll be honored if I have your esteemed mouse-click on my blog! Congrats and All the Best again.

Congtatulations Sandeepa. You are very familiar at home since I cook from your blog regularly and my boys now ask if its a Bong mum recipe when I cook something new. So when I told them you are writng a book even they were pleased. So from all of us here at home wish you the very best of success with your book. I have no doubts it will be a ripper.

I am so excited!!! It is always so lovely to read your blog, and the best part is that now my nieces in Mumbai and Kolkata also read it, and often excitedly share posts about how perfect your stories (and recipes) are! Now that I am living in Victoria, BC (Canada), it makes the world feel a little cozier. I know we will all be so pleased to cheer you on, and to buy your book as soon as it is available!

You will be glad to know that after thumping success of hamarivani.com, which is a unique rendezvous of Hindi bloggers and readers spread all over world, we are feeling jubilant to introduce Bloggiri.com.

At Bloggiri, your blog will get a huge horizon of new readers to share thoughts and ideas with you, because your blog is just reflection of your soul and inner beautiful.

Now what are you thinking, just submit your blog at Bloggiri.com and give a new meaning to your life.

I am so so much happy to hear this… Although, every time I speak to my mom over phone, I ask for her tips for some dish that I am going to cook, but I also look at here for the same.... You made me really interested in cooking, but I like your stories even more than your recipes. Looking forward to read the book. Congrats.

De-lurking here to wish you heartiest congratulations! Came upon your blog some time ago while searching the Internet for some simple Bengali recipes, and now check it regularly if not for the recipes, then for the stories :) This is one cookbook that I'll love to have in my kitchen, looking forward to that!

Dear Sandeepa_di,Many many many congratulations!!! Your posts are always such a treat to read with a simple but very gripping style of writing. Its so good to know they will now be released in a new avatar! I have been following your blog religiously for about a year and a half now, although haven't really left a lot of comments before. But after this post could not really hold myself back ... Bola jaena, hoeto boi-ta Chetan Bhagat er thekeo beshi hit kore gelo :) tokhon atleast bolte to parbo je onaar blog e amaar o comments aache!Till then awaiting 'The Cook Book' eagerly,

My heartiest congratulations Bong Mom. When I saw your recent post I knew I could not stay a lurker anymore - I had to speak out. I have frequented your blog many times, mentioned about it to family and friends, but never left a comment before. This is a well deserved honor - your love of life inspires me.

Congratulations Sandeepaji,Now it is proved that goodwork pays off. Your writing is so soul touching that one can be immersed within for hours. Atleast it happened with me after i read your blogs first time . So best of luck and looking forward for a lovely treat through your book.

Hi Sandeepa,Congratulations!!!I just love the way you write...so natural...seems like you are conversing with us in person!!!And all the very best for your 3rd baby...Do keep us all posted when it gets published!!!Will surely grab a copy!!!

I've been reading your blog for the past 3 years, ever since I moved to the US from India. I've never commented, but feel like this is an opportune moment to convey my admiration and support for you. Congratulations on the book deal - it is well-deserved. As a grad student in the US with no cooking skills and a very bheto bangali husband, I would have been at a complete loss without this blog, which has taught me *all* the Bengali cooking I know. The bhaja moong dal and dhonepata maachh I learnt here are regulars in my house when we're entertaining guests. The rosogolla'r payesh has fooled our friends into believing I'm an amazing cook. Thank you for being such an archive for the new Bengali cook who doesn't have access to traditional knowledge about the cuisine. I'm cheering for you from the sidelines!

I really wanted to thank all of you individually. I had no clue so many of you really liked what I wrote. The stats did show numbers but I was never sure who they were or whether they really liked it here. This gives me courage and all of you a huge thanks for taking time to drop by :-D

Sandeepa, I am so happy that it is finally happening..it is sooo overdue...spoke about your blog and recipes to many friends and also secretly hoped that I might bump onto you during the pujos at Kallol/GSCA/etc ( I am a PA resident)..anyways..all the best with your book and who knows we may one day see a movie coming out of it!!..:)

I dropped a post in FB but cudnn't stop myself commenting here again...I owe you soooo much because you have been an enormous inspiration for me to start cooking...I cannot thank you enough for that...and now here you are coming up with a book-deal which is so well deserved. Ebar tomai boi-er pata-i dekhte pabo! You were a star for me and going to become the brightest for everybody! best wishes...tartari pathiye dao if you still havent pleeease!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Very very good news. So happy for you. I am definitely going to buy and cherish this book. I read your blog on google reader and so dont often show up in comments. However I dearly love your recipes and your writing. Waiting for the book eagerly.

Congrats, I am surprised it did not happen earlier for I had thought of the same thing, ie this blog should be a book (I am no publisher, only someone who reads this blog all the time, sometimes for recipes and sometimes just to see what's new)..you write about our collective childhood, specially the bengali ones, spent peacefully taking a nap after a patla-macher-jhol-bhaat lunch after school, curtains drawn and the fan humming, till it is a good time bikel-ey to go out and play with girls called tumpa, tuli, mimi..seriously congrats! look forward to the book..

Hi Sandeepa...I know I am having a delayed reaction. Sorry....buy Hey, I am so happy for you...Want to give you a big hug for all you have written to brighten up my day, and showing a way to look forward in search of soul. Take care and pls anyplace you feel me and my decades of slogging can come of any help for your project...pls feel free to connect. My best wishes as always...Arundhati

Oh Sandeepa...we are all so proud of you :)...I always knew that some day this blog will become bigger than what it is already! No matter where I am or how busy I am I always come back to your blog every week, not only for the fabulous recipes, but also for the words, the experiences, the emotions and laughter. I love you blog and I'm sure the book's going to be as fab as your blog, if not better!

Amazing San!! Fantastic news indeed! I so want to get my hands on your book now! All my best wishes for your 3rd baby :)) And you certainly are one of those bloggers who has continued blogging all along!

oh my god sudeepa is it your name? sorry, i am a huge fan of your blog. so crazy about the way you write that i dont even know your name proper!!!!! just like the way you write so just know that ya. I stay in singapore, m a mom, a bong married to a non bong. but absolutely identify with what u write. the last time i visited your blog, believe u me, i told myself, very soon this girl is going to write a book!!!! i had told that to myself! can you believe that....arre forget book, i seriously thought some smart bollywood director will pick up your blog and think about making a movie...yes trust me i thought about it. you know why u deserve all this...because when u write, you truly do. you are pure, honest with your craft and cooking, and the reader can see that. you have a prolific sense of humour. which i think is crucial to be a writer. and most times after i have read your blog, your stories stay with me. i think about those stories, i think about how ur life maybe. just as a recommendation watch julie and julia (u must have watched it m sure *ing merly streep, about blogging and cooking) ....cheers and kudos to you!!!!

I have always been a passive lurker, but had to come out of my comfort zone as a reader to congratulate you. I always thought of your writing as something so intutive and "why-did-I not-think-of-that" kind that it ought to come as a gift. You writing is creative yet familiar, almost like you know how to hack everyday life and turn it into something else. Your narration deserves to be heard by a wider audience. Congratulations!

Congratulations! I will be sure to buy the first edition when the book is out.When I read your posts, I find so much resemblance in our lives. working mom, 2 kids, juggling home and work duties, blah blah. So it feels nice to know someone else is out there who is just like me. except that I don't cook as much as you..although I want to. Im a lil lazier at that!-Lak

Some women do everything to bring a smile on the faces of their family members ... you are someone who brings smile to everyone around you ... whoever reads your blog gets addicted and keeps coming back ... not only for the recipes but the stories, nostalgia and ofcourse the warmth and love ... God bless you with more happiness, laughter and success ... Love Lipika

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About Me

Predominantly a Bong, who loves being a Mom and loves to cook among other things for the li'l one and the big ones.She loves to write too and you will find her food spiced up with stories. Mainly a collection of Bengali Recipes with other kinds thrown in, in good measure. A Snapshot of Bengali Cuisine